Although you rarely think about it, your water heater is a big part of your day. From washing dishes to doing laundry, to simply getting a glass of water, your water heater is involved in so many of your daily tasks. But do you know when it’s having issues? And if you do, how do you know if it’s something you can ignore? While often even small issues have bigger meaning, we’re going to help you decipher when your hot water heater is begging to be replaced with these five main signs.

1). Leaking

Because a leaking water tank can quickly flood a home and ruin carpet, furniture, and base boards, this is something that must be addressed. While giant puddles on the floor are rarely overlooked, even small amounts of water can spell much bigger problems. It’s important to first check the surrounding pipes to ensure the issue is truly water heater-related, but it’s never a bad idea to have a professional take a look if you’re unsure.

2). Noise

Although water heaters will make some noise, constant rumbling, banging, creaking, or whining sounds are cause for concern. What happens, is that over a period of time, sediment inside the tank will build up and cause these irregular noises. The first course of action is to flush the system. But if flushing this sediment doesn’t quickly resolve the noises, it’s time for a full replacement. Leaving the sediment to fester is sure to cause cracking and fractures in your water heater down the line, leading to failure.

3). Cloudy or Rusty Water

When water is looking, or tasting abnormal, this is definitely a warning sign that things aren’t right. The minerals that build up in your tank can eventually make their way into your faucets, causing a strange metallic odor, rust color, or strange taste. For the safety of your family, it’s vital that you determine if this is coming from your water heater. First, try draining some water directly from the tank. If the water still appears orange or rusty after, it is more than likely the water heater itself, and not your home’s pipes.  

4). Inconsistent Temperature

Does your water take forever to get warm for showers? Does it suddenly switch from hot to cold while using it? These are all indicators that your water heater is going out. First be sure that you’re the water heater’s settings aren’t out off. Minor, occasional adjustments are fine, but if this doesn’t immediately solve the problem, it’s time to make a change.

5). Age (Use serial number)

Finally, and most obvious of the signs, is the age of your unit. As a general rule, it’s recommended that water heaters older than 10 years of age, are due for replacement. This is especially important if your water heater is located in a place in your home where it can cause damage to the surrounding area in the case of a leak. Even if there is no impending issue, a newer water heater can drastically improve your energy bills with the greater efficiency it provides. If you aren’t aware of the age of your water heater, you can find out by checking for the serial number. Many manufacturers build the original month and date of the water heater in the beginning of the serial number. Because this differs among brands, we suggest you check with the brand to understand their coding.

1st Choice Inspections: The Best Home Inspections in Haslet

If you find yourself constantly making adjustments to your water temperature, notice pooling water near your water heater, or see or hear major abnormalities, you know what you need to do. Any of the above signs are major indicators that your water heater is malfunctioning. Don’t wait for a small issue to grow, or for the morning where you wake up completely without hot water. Whether planning to sell your home or strictly for peace of mind, we can inspect your water heater to let you know if there is an issue. We will go over our findings with you to inform you of your options, and plan for the future.

Call the experts at 1st Choice Inspection Services, and we’ll take care of the rest.